The Twins defeated the Oakland Athletics 3-1 Wednesday afternoon to take 2 of 3 from the A's in the series.  Francisco Liriano threw 5 innings with 5 hits and 1 unearned run allowed to get the win and improve to 4-3.  He's 4-0 since being called up 3 weeks ago.  Mike Redmond went 2-4 with 2 RBIs and Nick Punto was 2-4 with a run scored and a stolen base.  Joe Nathan pitched the 9th inning to grab his 34th save.  The Twins improve to 72-54 and remain 1 game back of the White Sox for first place in the American League Central.  Minnesota is just 1/2 game back of Boston for the American League wildcard lead.  The Twins begin a 14-game road trip tonight in Anaheim against the Angels tonight at 9:05, pregame on WJON at 8:35.  Righthander Scott Baker (7-3) and righthander John Lackey (10-2) toes the rubber for the Angels.